Dresselhaus Lecture: Connecting nano to macro: Thermal materials research inspired by Millie Dresselhaus

In this lecture, Gang Chen will discuss research on thermal materials that connects fundamental transport processes at the nanoscale with materials and energy challenges at larger scales. Much of this work was inspired by his long-standing collaboration with Professor Mildred S. Dresselhaus.

The story begins with their work on superlattices for thermoelectric energy conversion and extends to nanocomposites and other thermal materials. Inspired by Professor Dresselhaus’s pioneering research on carbon nanotubes, Chen’s group explored the one-dimensional nature of thermal transport in polymer chains, leading to the demonstration that polyethylene can achieve thermal conductivities higher than most metals. These materials advances also revealed regimes of heat transport beyond classical Fourier conduction, including coherent, localized, and hydrodynamic phonon transport. Studies of coupled electron and phonon transport further led to the identification of cubic boron arsenide as an unusual semiconductor combining exceptionally high thermal conductivity with high electron and hole mobilities.

Finally, the lecture will describe current efforts to understand light–water interactions and their potential to connect nanoscale physical phenomena with new approaches to thermal management, energy conversion, and sustainability.

DATE: Monday, November 16, 2026
TIME: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET, reception to follow
LOCATION: MIT Building 10 Room 250

https://mitnano.mit.edu/events/dresselhaus-lecture-gang-chen